How’s this for fusion? Here we have The Sachal Studios Orchestra, based in Lahore, Pakistan, playing an innovative cover of “Take Five,” the jazz standard written by Paul Desmond and performed by The Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959. Before he died last year, Brubeck called it the “most interesting” version he had ever heard. Once you watch the performance above, you’ll know why.

According to The Guardian, The Sachal Studios Orchestra was created by Izzat Majeed, a philanthropist based in London. When Pakistan fell under the dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq during the 1980s, Pakistan’s classical music scene fell on hard times. Many musicians were forced into professions they had never imagined — selling clothes, electrical parts, vegetables, etc. Whatever was necessary to get by. Today, many of these musicians have come together in a 60-person orchestra that plays in a state-of-the-art studio, designed partly by Abbey Road sound engineers.

You can purchase their album, Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova, on Amazon and iTunes. It includes versions of “Take Five” and “The Girl from Ipanema.”

A big thanks goes to Kavya for sending this wonderful tribute our way.

Comments (72)

There simply are not words expressive enough to describe how friggin’ AWESOME this is. I bet John Coltrane, with his abiding interest in Eastern/Western musical crossover, would’ve dug this the mostest!

I rolled my eyes when I first saw the title thinking, “What is so great about jazz player of a different ethnicity playing jazz?” Once I started playing the video and saw the instruments with which they were playing some Brubeck, I was amazed. Thanks for sharing, this was fantastic.

Politicians Beware, Musicians are on a warpath to destroy the myth that East can’t mix and live with the West in harmony! STOP the WARS!Let the people learn from each other; not just the greedy corporates to enrich their coffers.

Wonderful ! I can’t wait to get their CD.
Your previous emailer is right the international language of music transcends anything politicians can achieve.
I don’t understand why muslims I know are discouraged from studying music.

Paul Williams wonders why muslims are discouraged from studying music? If that is, in fact, true, it would probably be because it might be hard to find the will of Allah in the decisions of musicians who play according to their own will. And of course we also see, the world over, how musicians are adored by the masses, who obviously should only be adoring Allah. Look at all the decorative art in the Muslim world, and you’ll not find any signatures at the bottom. But in music, the artist is revered and well known, either locally or worldwide.

Like I just told a good musician friend, to see a bunch of Pakistani men sitting around NOT planning jihad — not only NOT planning it but actually playing the “forbidden” “Western” music almost made me weep with gratitude — that there are actually still a few sane people left on the planet. The courage it took just for them to do what they’ve done is incredible, considering what the Taliban would do with them if they were ever caught.

It’s really sad that I’m lowered to the depths of thinking in those terms but really fantastic that these guys are doing what they’re doing. I’m going to buy their album — they’re all incredibly good musicians!

And that Korean instrument is the most bizarre thing I’ve ever heard. Next thing you know, there will be a gang of Bornean headhunters playing “Help!” on wood blocks.

NicholasnYou are showing your ignorance and short sightedness. You westerners are not only myopic, but are so ignorant, that it makes one laugh. The Korean instrument that you talk about is the Indian Sitar. Do some research before putting pen to paper, and if you do not know of things, keep your mouth shut, instead of making a fool of yourself.

NicholasnYou are showing your ignorance and short sightedness. You westerners are not only myopic, but are so ignorant, that it makes one laugh. The Korean instrument that you talk about is the Indian Sitar. Do some research before putting pen to paper, and if you do not know of things, keep your mouth shut, instead of making a fool of yourself.

Nicolas…alas you are so sadly off the-track that it is very funny! You lump a vibrant nation of 180 million people the actions of a few thousand extremists. Pakistan has a vibrant cultural scene that spans all forms of artistic expression. Cities like Lahore (18 Million), Karachi (30 Million +), Islamabad etc. have always had a bent towards experimentation in music, dance etc. by expressing Pakistani interpretations of western music and drama. Remember that there is a long history of the arts in Pakistan dating back to Mohenjo Daro & Harapa.

M. I understand your frustration. Most of us are very aware of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Unfortunately we are more aware that there are far too many weirdos in Pakistan who seem to doing exactly what Nic is talking about. Of course there also people in Virginia who are also plotting similar crimes in their quest for so called democracy. Just look at what they have done to Iraq!nThe down side to all this that people like me will never visit places like Lahore in case we get blown up as we wander the streets- or get hit by a drone.

WOW for the first time ever I am taken aback by the talent and beautiful rendition. This is a positive as music has no boundaries. Pakistan you do have sanity that’s being hidden by a few. Come out and overcome the evil in your country. May the music you make conquer all evil. The world and Pakistanis in general would love you to spread Peace through your music.nYou have certainly made an impact on me. More than I can say for your bullets, missiles and bombs. You have re- discovered your strength all power to you. Thank you and a hundred standing ovations to you.

the lack of females in the music industry is disturbing period..I don’t for example remember the female members of the Dave Brubeck quartet. Why not just enjoy it for the for the skillful musicianship it is rather than looking for spurious reasons to criticize??

This is epic! Unfortunately there are some people here who are discussing religion instead of music. People who are saying that music is not allowed to be played in Pakistan or those who think that female singers are not allowed to sing with men are absolutely wrong. They believe what their media is telling them when in fact the truth is just the opposite. The music scene in Pakistan is very vibrant and there is no dearth of female singers here who not only sing with men but also perform around the world. There are no restrictions by the terrorist like some people believe, in fact those terrorists don’t have any control or say in what anyone should be doing and how things should work. Pakistan is not being run by Taliban. They are mere terrorists who carry out terrorist activities but people are living freely and they can do anything they want to. In the end I would like to say thank you for sharing this amazing video!

This version is the best I have ever heard!!!, huge thanks to all involved. I first came across it on Jazz FM Radioplayer (online) but missed the title orchestra. I searched it and here I am now. This piece is absolutely awsome! Lesli.

This music is the real Wonder. Reminds me, there will be a world when we will not need words, languages. It is called heaven or NOW or anything else. This music will be there. Lennon dreamt such kind a world like this one.

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Open Culture editor Dan Colman scours the web for the best educational media. He finds the free courses and audio books you need, the language lessons & movies you want, and plenty of enlightenment in between.